Simple Lap Joint Geometry

The chapter outlines the basic mechanics of adhesively bonded simple lap joints, focusing on the analytical solutions that have been developed. This can be viewed as foundational material for the chapters in this book that deal with numerical modelling of adhesive joints. It begins with a discussion of the shear-lag concept which governs the development of adhesive shear stresses arising from load transfer between substrates. From this starting point a number of design analysis approaches are outlined, all of which seek to provide easy access to adhesive stresses within joints under a range of service loading conditions. The chapter concludes by considering approaches that have been made to enhance the accuracy of the closed form analytical adhesive joint models. Although improving the accuracy, these developments also result in a considerable increase in complexity with the result that analytical solutions are more difficult to utilise.